* Words * Play * People * Creativity * Freedom *

Next workshop

Newberry Gallery & by the beach in Dunsborough

Sunday 27 October, 2002

An invitation to meet at a beautiful place and spring into creative depths through the powerful process of writing. Simple yet profound, playful, safe and positive techniques will be used to help get your juices flowing no matter what stage you are at.

It's all good!

In addition to a range of fun tools and games that will ease you in, we'll be helping you (finally!? again!?) create the time and space for longer pieces - and offering help to develop any existing or future projects. There will also be opportunities for ongoing inspiration, assistance and creative community building.

The workshop will be facilitated by writers and educators Margot Edwards and Libby Davy (see below for background). One-on-one mentoring is available so you can send in your writing in advance or bring it on the day.

Newberry Gallery could be seen as the cultural centre of the Dunsborough region and combines fine art, craft, books and coffee with beautiful surroundings and atmosphere. Marion Bauer's exhibition will still be up on 27 October and explores handwriting as a graphic sign system.

People visiting our beautiful region from further afield are most welcome to join in and we can help you find accommodation if need be. Perhaps a great excuse to get out of the city and into some peaceful surroundings, with like-minded people... expressing yourself and developing new skills, uncovering new dreams and vistas.

Call Libby on 9758 7991/0419 943 989 or Margot on 9757 2252 for further info and to discuss what you would like to get out of the day.

The September workshop in Wilyabrup sold out, so be quick to reserve your spot by sending a cheque before 20 October for $60 to Barking Owl Pty Ltd, PO Box 436, Margaret River WA 6285. 10 places only. We cannot save you a place without payment.

Please enclose a self-addressed and stamped envelope for workshop details to be sent to you.

Discount offered for two low-income earners - please ask.

** NOTE ** FULLY BOOKED ** PLEASE CONTACT US TO FIND OUT DETAILS FOR OUR NEXT WORKSHOP IN JANUARY 2003 **

Strawbale Cottage, Wilyabrup

Sunday 8 September, 2002

The Wilyabrup day was splendid, with lucky 13 of us coming together to share in each other's fine spirit and willingness to keep our pens just moving across the page.

The ages ranged from 20-something to 70-something and we even had a few men (thank goodness!). It was so beautiful to watch people that have "never really written anything before" join with those that say they "have dabbled" and those that have been published.

People's reasons for being there ranged from "I just want to write something for my child/children" to "I have a regular writing practice and want more ideas." Here's a smattering of what came out of it...

"Wow! Lib and Margo, what a great day. Thanks a million for being there. I enjoyed it all so much, and what's more I've felt like writing again today," said Shelley Cullen.

"Thankyou again for putting together the whole day, I just loved being involved and would love to hear of any other things happening," enthused Claire Strong.

Lisa Laschon said "I really enjoyed the day writing with you and the group and it has spurred me on to just keep scribbling away."

Many thanks to everyone that attended and so fully participated, and of course to Shelley Cullen and family for the truly inspiring venue.

Our current facilitators are...

Margot Edwards

Margot Edwards is an established storyteller, playwright and journalist, having completed her BA Communications (Print) in 1985, followed by the NIDA Playwrights Studio in 1988.

She has developed and worked in countless community based visual and performing arts projects, throughout the South West. She is now sought after as a mentor to young people in the arts through her work with the Melting Pot, MR Arts Council and MR Theatre Group.

She specialises in collaborative, community-based arts training projects and in mentoring emerging artists, writers and filmmakers (whatever their age!).

Margot has recently worked in collaboration with the South West indigenous community and MR Arts Council on the commissioned play The Deadwater Chant - the epic tale of Timothee Vasse. The Deadwater Chant is now moving into its next stage of development towards radio, with the assistance of the ABC Regional Production Initiative Fund and Playworks. Margot is also developing her new storytelling series - Storms and Shipwrecks: Stories of the South West.

Libby Davy

Libby Davy has over a decade's experience writing and teaching after tertiary studies in media and communications.

Her background is in marketing and public relations - here and abroad, including several years teaching at Curtin University.

Libby helped set up Cliff Street Publishing in Fremantle and has a passion for writing and story telling in all forms.

Her short story "Home Making" has been produced by ABC Radio National and will be broadcast in October.

Libby's writing was recently commended in the Bauhinia Literary Awards 2002.

She is now coaching local business people in marketing and PR, helping set up the * i screen, you screen * digital art movement, researching a series for SBS and running creative writing workshops.

Her first book, titled "The Mad, Mad, Mad Professor" was self published at the age of 7. Libby's mum keeps it in a safe place.

"It seems as if I have been writing my whole life, but waiting to find my voice. All those years spent working in the business world helped prove I could write, but could I do it my way? What would my own words sound like when they came from the heart?

" A year or so and several notebooks down the track, I am scribbling away to my heart's content. Who know's where it's all going, but I'm here for the ride."

Some of Libby's recent writing is available at www.barkingowl.com/here Please explore...

Her marketing & public relations services are detailed at www.barkingowl.com/owlsite/services

Many thanks to Jann Lane for the photograph of Strawbale Cottage, Wilyabrup (at top).

A quick advertisement for Cliff Street Publishing...

Read a book called Fremantle Stories from Cliff Street Publishing to find out some things about life in that remarkable port city - and to check out Australian new fiction.

Short stories about "the sea, crayfish, cappuccino, the city, love, Rottnest Island, macciato, the harbour, travellers, espresso" and other things too.

Recommended by folk from young Alex James-Davy to good old Ben Elton.

This and other fine books available from the Cliff Street Publishing website.